The term 'favorite patient' raised concerns regarding boundaries and favoritism. Nevertheless, most participants (22/25) reported having favorite patients. For many physicians, favorite patients were not necessarily the most compliant patients, or those most similar to them.
One of the most disconcerting experiences a physician can have is realizing that he or she is strongly attracted to a patient. Many physicians believe they should be above such emotions or that their professional objectivity should neutralize these feelings.
In theory, the doctor-patient relationship is courteous and clinical, rooted in a duty of care. In practice, the line between professional and personal isn't always clear-cut. Sometimes doctors and patients meet in the exam room and strike up long-lasting friendships. Other times, doctors take on friends as patients.
It's important to remember that your doctor does not expect anything more than a sincere "thank you" from a happy patient. A sincere sentiment of gratitude is all any doctor could ask for, and physicians will cherish a thoughtful handwritten thank you card far more than an expensive gift.
“Physicians are authority figures and thus are in a position to directly influence others. It's not uncommon for patients to feel an attraction to their doctors, or other health care providers, especially when good feelings experienced between the two; where patients feel heard, understood and cared for.”
Though instances of doctors and patients entering romantic relationships are indeed rare, it does sometimes happen. Physicians sometimes have sexual relationships with patients, or with former patients. Sometimes the initiator is the physician, and sometimes it is the patient.
Patients, especially surgical patients, understand we have to have contact with them to heal them, so that's acceptable. Hugging, especially if someone is really going through a hard time with their care, is appropriate if it's done in the right context.
Small gifts such as a homemade craft, handwritten card, or baked goods are most likely appropriate. An extremely valuable gift such as jewelry or anything that is directly correlated to monetary value should be declined, especially if it's likely to bring financial hardship for the patient or their family.
Friends recognize the special nature of their relationship, and in this context, presenting gifts is both natural and honorable. Provided that patients are not trying to influence their relationship with their physician, the doctors should accept the gift with a smile, send a thank-you note, and move on.
You want them to know you as a person as well as a patient. Our physical wellness is intertwined with our social and mental status, so we want our doctors to understand it all. By thanking them for their care, you stand out and become even more memorable to them.
Should I Friend My Doctor or Nurse? For most people, a friend request is simply a gesture of wanting to know more about a member of their care team outside of the exam room. Some may also view it as an opportunity to keep their doctor or nurse posted on any health issues they might be having between visits.
Sexual or romantic relationships with former patients are unethical if the physician uses or exploits trust, knowledge, emotions, or influence derived from the previous professional relationship, or if a romantic relationship would otherwise foreseeably harm the individual.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), doctors need to end their physician-patient relationship before they begin any kind of romance with a patient.
Physicians and surgeons
Female physicians and surgeons are most likely to marry male physicians and surgeons. Male physicians and surgeons are most likely to marry female physicians and surgeons.
Nevertheless, most participants (22/25) reported having favorite patients. For many physicians, favorite patients were not necessarily the most compliant patients, or those most similar to them. Instead, favorite patients were often very sick patients and/or those who have known their physicians for a long time.
The receipt of a gift without the doctor reflecting on how the gift might affect the doctor–patient relationship could amount to unethical conduct. It would be improper if the gift giving and receiving were to somehow influence the doctor–patient relationship.
SEND A CARD OR LETTER
A thank you note is one of the most timeless ways to send gratitude, and it also lets you have time to think about what you want to convey. Receiving a nice thank you note can be a positive boon to a doctor's day, especially if they're having a particularly rough one.
Something like, “I really appreciate all you have done for me,” “I know you've been doing your best here,” or “You helped me to get my treatment started in a positive direction.” State why. Using I-phrases.
Good Medical Practice Guidance states that “You must not encourage patients to give, lend or bequeath money or gifts that will directly or indirectly benefit you.” However you “may accept unsolicited gifts from patients or their relatives” provided that it doesn't affect the treatment you provide.
Djordjevic explains that "crying with a patient can benefit both medical personnel and patient. Firstly, because it's a cathartic experience for medical staff given they're relieving stress, and secondly, because they're able to create a more meaningful bond with their patient."
Healthcare professionals may talk about real-world experiences they've had with their patients all they want. The only way they might break the rules is whether or not they give any identifiable information away during their storytelling.
Yet, doctors do have some leeway when it comes to talking about their patients. Sometimes they have no choice but to share information about their client, especially if it's related to a referral to a specialist. Other times they may want to ask for a second opinion from within their network of colleagues.